Thailand is a dream destination for many and rightly so because there are so many things to do and it is not that expensive. Sometimes travelling within India can be more expensive than going to Thailand.
Here are some of the places that you must visit and things that you should try during your trip to Thailand.
1. Check out the night market
You visit any city in Thailand you cannot avoid the night market. This market will be buzzing with food, people, music and beer. It is a nice place to grab your dinner, do a bit of shopping, make some new friends and understand the culture. Night markets in Chiang Mai are great if you are going on a Saturday or Sunday be there early and I mean by 5.30 or so because it gets very busy and packed as the night gets younger.
2. Drink a Thai Bucket
When you are in Thailand you must order a Thai Bucket. Choose your favourite alcohol, it could be vodka, whiskey, and coke or sprite and pour it into a bucket filled with ice. That’s how the drinks are served there especially on the islands. And it makes for an awesome drink for a full moon party. By the way, the best place for a full moon part is Koh Phangan and if you miss the full moon then there are half moon parties. If you miss the half moon then there are crazy parties anyways in Koh Phangan. But remember no matter what party you go for, your drink has to be Thai Bucket.
3. Island Hopping
There are over 300 islands in Thailand so it can be challenging to decide which should be the first island you should start from. The normal way of doing would be that you take a map, ask the locals which are the best islands and start from the popular ones. Or you can do my way. One night before you drink lots of Thai Buckets, get hammered and then throw darts on the map. Whichever island the dart sits first you start the trip from that island. It is a more fun way of exploring the islands. Some of the popular ones are Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh, Chang, Koh Phi Phi, Similan Island. There are more islands which will mesmerise you the more time you spend there the more you fall in love with that place.
4. Get a Tattoo
If you are into tattoos then get one Sak Yant tattoo. It is a traditional Thai tattoo done by a monk in the old fashioned way using a metal rod. These tattoos are said to be blessed by with magical powers, the monk decides what you need protection from and accordingly, he makes the tattoo. Not a bad idea to get a permanent souvenir from Thailand.
5. Catch a Muay Thai fight
Watch the best contact sports (if you call it a sport) Muay Thai is also known as “the art of eight limbs” because fighters are allowed to use their fists, elbows, knees and shins. All the major cities in Thailand have these fights, you should check it out. You can also get some cheap lessons if you may. The best place to watch is at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
6. Visit the floating market
There are numerous floating markets in Bangkok but the most famous one Damnoen Saduak floating market is located 60 miles outside of the city. It is a magnificent experience to see how the daily business is done on the boats. You can catch your meal here so ensure you are sufficiently hungry before the trip.
7. Eat a Scorpion
I get it, everyone is not into a scorpion, but if you are in Thailand and you are into unique foods then this is a place where you can try out crispy Scorpion. If not that you can try other bugs like crickets, or ant salad. Having bugs is considered healthy and normal in Thailand.
8. Go Diving
Some of the best diving spots in the world are located in Thailand. Divers from all over the world come to explore the underwater world here. Almost all the islands have a dive shop, and it is not necessary to know swimming to do diving. Some of the popular places for diving in Thailand are Sail Rock, Koh Tao | Surin Islands | HTMS Chang, Koh Chang | The Island of Koh Ma | Hin Daeng and Hin Muang | Similan Islands | Shark Point, Phuket
9. Try Durian Fruit
If you have the adventurous streak in you when it comes to fruits you should try the Durian Fruit. Why I say adventurous because this is the stinkiest fruit you will ever encounter. If you open up a durian fruit the entire place will stink. You can see inside buildings, hotels, and taxis that have a spiky root with an X, which means NO DURIAN FRUIT ALLOWED. You can try it fresh, dried, or even durian ice cream but to us, it always tastes bad like old onions inside dirty socks. If you don’t want to eat it then you can give it as a ‘Dare’ to someone.
10. Thai iced coffee
One morning after a late night party in Thailand I was feeling very drowsy that’s when my local friend suggest that I should try the ‘Thai Iced Coffee’. Trust me this coffee fuelled my day, it is an amazing concoction of double expresso (very strong) tossed with a ½ teaspoon of cardamom and then brew it. After that you use sweet condensed milk (whisk together 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk with ¼ cup 2 per cent milk), evaporated milk (whisk together ¼ cup evaporated milk with 2 teaspoons simple syrup) or half-and-half (when brewing the coffee, whisk in 2 teaspoons brown sugar while it’s still hot. Then, at the milk stage, whisk together 3 tablespoons half-and-half with ½ cup 2 percent milk).
In a nutshell Thai iced coffee is loads of calories, with an equally high level of caffeine. Try it out when you want to be really high on energy.
11. Hike to Koh Pee Pee viewpoint
None of my trips is complete without a hike in the local region. If you are in the Phi Phi islands hike up to the viewpoint to see the beauty and stunning landscape of the islands. I suggest go early in the morning to get the best light for your photographs or selfies. In addition to that, it serves as a good workout too.
12. Experience jungle coaster
Jungle Coaster in Chiang Mai provides adventurers with an interesting way to get the adrenaline rush they need while exploring the jungle. The company has a number of different thrilling activities, but the first jungle coaster in Thailand is certainly the most exciting. Check it out.
13 Visit Wat Rong Khun
This is the White Temple located in Chiang Rai. When you see the temple from a distance it looks stunning with a stark white exterior that catches your attention immediately. The entrance of the temple is guarded by demons. And upon taking a closer look you will find the architecture very interesting, to say the least: this is no traditional Buddhist temple. Created by the noteworthy artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple depicts traditional Buddhist motifs in a seemingly dark way. See for yourself by visiting this temple.